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Page 6 August 4, 2010 The Spotlight Share and share alike Congratulations to the heads of Bethlehem’s five fire departments and two ambulance corps for realizing there are benefits to be had by working together on certain issues rather than adhering to the parochialism that is the slow demise of other town entities. Last October, the districts got together and decided to construct a 5- to 10-year Editorial development plan and explore shared services. When you think about the nature of the entities coming together, this is no small feat. People involved in emergency services are (we believe rightly so) fiercely proud of their positions. There is a calling for people in those fields — it takes a certain type of person to make the decision to run into a burning building or have the knowledge and fortitude to aid and transport someone who’s injured. Traditionally, the pride that exists in those types of people is accompanied with a streak of territorialism, especially in the upper ranks. That’s why it’s heartening for us at The Spotlight to learn that these individuals put those feelings aside, saw a need to better their services — and decrease the burden on taxpayers as well — and are coming together to make it happen. Unfortunately, as it seems is the case with any good application of government resources, the state’s Local Government Efficiency Planning Grant Program, which the agencies were hoping to use to flesh their plan out, has run out of money and is unlikely to see more funding in the near future. While John Lutz, a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Elsmere Fire Dept., said the agencies are prepared to spend what funds they have to see this to fruition and will send out a request for proposals for a consultant on the matter. The cost, per agency, has been roughly estimated at $20,000 to $30,000. It may seem like a lot, but we feel the long-term savings — not to mention the improved emergency services — would be worth it. We encourage you to show your support for the plan at the next Town Board meeting Wednesday, Aug. 11. In the meantime, tell us what other agencies in town could share services. Log on to spotlightnews. com, scroll down below the “News” box and vote in our web poll. the Spotlight Copy Editor — Kristen Roberts Editorial Paginator — Jackie Domin Sports Editor — Rob Jonas Reporters — Andrew Beam, Alyssa Jung, John Purcell, Charles Wiff NEWS: news@spotlightnews.com SPORTS: sports@spotlightnews.com NOTICES: milestones@spotlightnews.com Matters of Opinion in The Spotlight Publisher — John A. McIntyre Jr. A comparison of coasts By JESSICA PETT news@spotlightnews.com The writer is an editorial intern with The Spotlight. In my 22 years of life I can happily say I have lived on both coasts on this country. Living in Seattle, Wash., for four years was an experience I will never forget, and I hope to live there again at some point of my life. I didn’t always feel this way. I was born in Long Island and moved to Greenville soon after and spent the majority of my childhood growing up there. It’s a fairly small town so we quickly became close with many people. I will never forget the day my parents told me we were moving to Washington. I was in sixth grade and my reaction was, of course, dramatic. I immediately started crying and ran up to my room while screaming at my parents. Nevertheless, we moved and I had no problem making friends and adjusting to my new life there. While living in Seattle, I fell in love with that amazing city. There was always something to do and so many interesting places to go and people to see. Pike Place Market was one of my favorite places to go. It’s a huge open-air market right on the water with endless vendors, restaurants, music and shopping. Another amazing thing about the market is that it is right across from the firstever Starbucks, my favorite coffee shop. Although there is nothing quite like Pike Place in Albany, there are festivals and areas of the city that are fun. Lark Fest, which is outside and has many different vendors is fun but draws a totally different crowd. Farmers markets around the Capital District are about as close as you’re going to get to Pike Place, and this area does a good job with them. Seattle is also packed with Editor — William R. DeVoe Art Director — David Abbott National Sales Manager — Cyndi Robinson Legals/Reception — Jennifer Deforge Advertising Representatives — Nigar Hale, Susan O’Donnell, , John Salvione, Carol Sheldon Graphic Design — Martha Eriksen Graphic Design Assistant — Laura Golon Classifi eds/Business Directory — Lynne Sims PHONE: (518) 439-4949 FAX: (518) 439-0609 P.O. Box 100, 125 Adams St., Delmar 12054 OFFICE HOURS: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday ADVERTISING: advertise@spotlightnews.com CLASSIFIEDS: classifi ed@spotlightnews.com SUBSCRIPTIONS: circulation@spotlightnews.com ONLINE AT WWW.SPOTLIGHTNEWS.COM culture and history. So many artists and musicians have come out of Seattle or lived there for a good amount of time, including Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana and Modest Mouse. Experience Music Project is a big interactive museum in Point of View the middle of Seattle that pays tribute to many of the artists that come from Seattle, it’s all about music, and so far I haven’t seen anything else like it here. One thing the Capital District has that I never got the chance to experience in Washington is open-air concerts like Saratoga Performing Arts Center. SPAC is something I really love about this area, they bring through a lot of good artists, and I love that you can go see the ballet there. One thing people from the East Coast and other parts of the country think is that it constantly rains in Seattle and is never sunny. This is hardly true, and, in reality, the climate there is very mild. I actually happen to like New York’s weather better. The seasons in Washington aren’t as severe as they are here but that’s something I like here. It barely snows anywhere there besides the mountains so school closes if they get flurries. One popular festival here in the Capital District is Albany’s Tulip Festival. This looks tiny compared to Washington’s tulip festival, which is a huge deal and has miles of tulips. Another plus to living in Washington for me – tulips are my favorite flowers. The festival takes place in Washington’s Skagit Valley in April. Tulips, irises and Weekly poll Five fi re departments and two ambulance corps in the Town of Bethlehem are looking to collaborate in creating a plan that would help them better work together in the coming years. So, this week’s question is: In what other areas could municipalities combine services? Log on to www.spotlightnews.com to cast your vote and see results. Last week’s poll results: Question: “Can there ever be more than two sides to an issue?” Yes.: 63% No.: 18% My head hurts.: 18% The mission of Community Media Group LLC is to be a vibrant, trustworthy and indispensable source of news connecting and strengthening our readers in the unique communities we serve. We adhere to a philosophy that high-quality community newspapers, specialty publications and online products will build value for our readers, clients, shareholders and employees. The Spotlight (Bethlehem, New Scotland, Guilderland) Colonie Spotlight Loudonville Spotlight Capital District Parent Pages Senior Spotlight daffodils cover fields all over the area, and if you’re ever in Washington in April definitely make the trip to see it. If not, luckily Albany has one as well. One thing I did not like about living there were the earthquakes. When I lived there, the area experienced a 6.8 magnitude earthquake that was terrifying and exciting at the same time. Here in New York we rarely have to worry about earthquakes, which is definitely a plus. Along with the earthquakes in Washington comes Mt. Rainier, an active volcano, which scientists consider “episodically active” – meaning it is not active right now but could erupt again in the future. Around Mt. Rainier is a national park where people can hike, camp, picnic and do other activities. It is part of the Cascade Mountain Range, which also includes four other volcanoes. Although New York doesn’t have a mountain range of volcanoes, it does have the Catskills and the Adirondacks. These mountain ranges offer many hiking trails and camping and are as beautiful as the Cascades. During the summer, there are camps for kids to attend in the Adirondacks, fishing and scenic spots. Again, I’d have to say I am more interested in the Cascade Mountain Range than the mountains we have here, but they still are remarkable. Both Seattle and the Capital District have things that make them unique and fun places to live. However, after living in both areas, I have come to the conclusion that for me, Seattle is where I would rather live when I’m older. It’s such an interesting city – unlike any other one I have been to. There is always something to do, and if you ever have the chance to visit I would highly recommend it. Niskayuna Spotlight Rotterdam Spotlight Scotia-Glenville Spotlight Clifton Park-Halfmoon Spotlight Saratoga Springs, Milton, Burnt Hills, Malta Spotlight www.spotlightnews.com
The Spotlight August 4, 2010 Page 7 Butterfl y Station At Farnsworth Middle School - Route 155 Guilderland FREE TO THE PUBLIC Tours of our: Native Butter� y House with 100’s of butter� ies Butter� y Garden Organic Garden with produce for sale Visit the: Metamorphosis Room See the butter� y eggs, larvae, and pupa Museum Room Interactive displays and a butter� y gift shop Craft Room Create free butter� y crafts to take home! OPEN Monday through Friday, 10AM to 1PM July 12 th – August 13 th Major Funding from State Farm Insurance and Learn and Serve America 65328 Your Opinion in The Spotlight Communities not lining up to raise property values with cell towers Editor, The Spotlight: The July 28 Spotlight coverage of the cell tower location issue left out several important considerations (Town consultant: Sprint has not shown need, page 3). The information presented at the July 21 Zoning Board meeting left the impression that the application for variance was the first step, to obtain approval for a location with defi nite intent to expand the installation. A variance from regulations must be based on a need that overcomes the imposition to the community. Analysis of the materials submitted in support of the request showed gaps in area coverage by Sprint based on formula calculations, which according to the board’s engineer are not supported by fi eld Local student awarded scholarship Matthew A. Baumback, son of Rev. Alan and Joan Baumback of Ravena, received the Abbott Scholarship from Scottish Rite Masons. The Abbott Scholarship is awarded to qualified students in recognition of scholastic and general achievements. Baumback is a graduate of Ravena Coeymans High School and is a sophmore at Stony Brook University. Local student graduates Matthew Gardiner, of Delmar, graduated from the State University of New York College of Technology at Delhi with an AAS in construction technology. Student named to dean’s list Patrick Venter, a senior from Delmar, has been named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2010 semester in the Villanova School of Business. tests and would not be remedied by the proposed tower. The later height and transmitter additions referenced in the application were also questionable in improving gaps in area coverage. Data addressing such area gaps may show a need of a particular provider but not an actual need for the community because it does not demonstrate call volume, density or dropped calls within those gaps, which reflect real service necessities. Consequently, that raises the value of the aesthetics imposed on the community. The towers are highly visible structures that change the appearance of the neighborhood. Communities have not been anxiously competing for towers to improve their property values. Your Community in The Spotlight Student named to dean’s list Jessica Carroll, a sophomore from Glenmont, has been named to the Dean’s List for the 2010 spring semester in Villanova University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Student named to dean’s list Claire Burns, of Delmar, was named to the Dean’s List at Marist College for the spring 2010 semester. Burns is a member of the Class of 2012 and is majoring in Conservations Studies/Restoration. Speech and Hearing Center to hold open house Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital in Schenectady, an affi liate of The Eddy not-for-profi t network of seniors services, will hold a community open house Wednesday, August 4, from 2 to 6 p.m., at its Speech and Hearing Center, Delmar has continuously taken care to preserve its suburban nature by controlling cutting of trees, visual barricade treatments for developments and historic motifs in roadway improvements as at the Four Corners. Water towers, electric transmission lines and light towers at school athletic fi elds can be accepted as necessary and benefi cial. Balloon tests are a start toward assessing the visual impact of the proposed towers. It would be a simple matter to photo-shop the actual tower structures with their transmitter arrays into site photos to get a feel for the actual view that will be there forever. Alex Yatsevitch Delmar outpatient clinic, 3757 Carman Road, Guilderland. The event will feature free hearing screenings. There will also be information available on hearing loss and options for treatment. The program is open to the public, free of charge. No appointment is necessary. For information, call Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital at 382- 4550. Singers to host 4th Annual Cabaret Come join The New Scotland Cabaret Singers for a night of 1940s swing era music. The event is August 20 and 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. at New Salem Fire Dept., 694 New Salem Road. Suggested donation is $5 and proceeds will benefi t Capital City Rescue Mission, New Scotland Presbyterian Church and Voorheesville Methodist Church. Homemade pie, assorted desserts and beverages will be for sale. For more information call 439- 6454 or 772-1205. Joanne H. Van Woert, MD Margaret M. Grogan, MD Judith M. Van Woert, MD Internal Medicine – Primary Care 1525 New Scotland Road Slingerlands, NY 12159 518.439.1564 See the doctor one on one. Now accepting new patients. Participating: AETNA, Blue Shield, CDPHP, MVP, Medicare & NYS Empire Plan 65546 Parents accountable for childrens’ pranks? Editor, The Spotlight: Regarding the recent prankster’s “ding dong ditch,” it seems to me that everyone has a right to protect his/her property, and even if the teen involved cannot be prosecuted, perhaps his parents should be…a little community service, like cutting the aggrieved’s lawn for each prank? When I fi rst moved into Delmar, my house was hit with eggs, on the driveway, the porch and my car, and a few years ago, one of the affl uent neighbor’s children took a baseball bat to my mailbox. Perhaps if their parent’s were held accountable to clean up or make restitution, it would thwart these teens over active pranksterisms. Perhaps? Dan Lawlor 46-year resident of Delmar Letters policy Spotlight Newspapers welcomes letters from readers on subjects of local and regional interest. Letters are subject to editing and should be limitedto 500 words. All letters must include the writer’s name, address and phone number. Spotlight Newspapers reserves the right to limit the number of letters published from a single author. Submissions can be e-mailed to news@spotlightnews.com. The deadline for all letters is noon Friday prior to publication. Do you have a String Instrument Student starting in the Fall? Want the best value rental package and service specialized to the Bethlehem area? At Regh Violins we specialize in the rental of bowed string instruments, and offer the highest quality instruments and service. Don’t Delay call 439-9010 to reserve your child’s instrument and have it at the school on the first day. Lease First 3 Months 12 Months Monthly Rate Introductory Price-ALL Remaining 9 months Violin $19.00 $22.80 Viola $20.00 $27.00 Cello $40.00 $56.00 Bass $55.00 $70.40 Email or mail to: 7 Park Edge Lane Delmar, NY 12054 (518) 439-9010/ Karen.latter@yahoo.com Parent name: ______________________________ _______ Phone number: _____________________________________ Email address: _____________________________________ Student name: _____________________________________ BCSD School attending in 10-11 year: ___________________ Size (if you know or teacher recommended): 1/4 1/2 3/4 Full You will be contacted by a Regh Violin representative to discuss and process your order. Don’t wait, order now to reserve your instrument! Children’s Book Sale Thousands of top quality books. Fiction and Non-Fiction, Chapter Books, Scholastic, Picture Books, Board Books, Early Readers, Teens, “Tweens” and lots more. Many Newberry and other Award Winners. Monday, August 9th : 3 pm to 9 pm and Tuesday, August 10th : 9 am to 7 pm First United Methodist Church 428 Kenwood Ave, Delmar, NY 65353 65547
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Service districts look to team up Businesses raise the roof - Pirate CNY

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